Many of
the readers of this site are not mariners and there are also
those who are not involved in the offshore industry, so this
glossary is included here. It is one of the appendices in
"Supply Ship Operations" but items can be added at the request
of our readers. Typically a while ago some-one asked me what
an "AB" was, so it is now the first item in the section.

AB. Able
Bodied Seaman. In the British nautical hierarchy after some
time at sea a seaman can take an examination for EDH
(Efficient Deck Hand) and then after further years at sea
can be formally qualified as an AB.

A-FRAME. A
hinged frame on the stern of offshore vessels used for the
launching and recovery of manned submersibles, and initially
for the recovery of anchors.